Help me out South Siders and other chicago lifers.

I want to start hitting some restaurants on the south side of the city. My knowledge of the area restaurants is seriously lacking.

I'm looking for more out of the way neighborhood places than anything fancy. Pizza, Chinese, Italian, BBQ... anything.

Who makes the best Shepherds pie? Apple pie? Pizza pie?

Where would I go for the best burger? best ribs? best burrito? best lasagna?

Thanks in advance.

-Al

Al...
Congrats with the Tigers, friend.

You MUST go here.

Oakley St. is a hidden gem for the best family-owned Italian restaurants.
Huge portions, low prices and great service are the mainstays.

Enjoy!

I couldn't agree more with Ricobene's. Their breaded steak sandwich is fabulous.

Also, please don't call it pizza pie. It's pizza. Period. And I know I don't have to tell you about Homerun Inn, right?

6-4-3 wrote:Oakley St. is a hidden gem for the best family-owned Italian restaurants.

Yes, that is true. The area is 26th and Oakley. You must go to La Fontanella. I've been going for literally 20 years. There are photos of my family in the kitchen. The food is always great. One year for my birthday, Franco (who's getting pretty old) made me a couple 4 inch thick porkchops. Holy crap, good shit. Maria used to make all the deserts, her canolis were always the best.

6-4-3 wrote:Al...
Congrats with the Tigers, friend.

You MUST go here.

Thanks. I will.

BadComrade wrote: Il Vicinato is a block away on 24th and Western. If you're looking for veal, that's where you need to go.

I've been to Il Vicinato, one of my few south side dining experiences. Delicious.

BadComrade wrote: Exactly how far South are you looking to travel?

Anywhere in the city limits. We're talking food here. I'm willing to work for it.

cwiko wrote:And I know I don't have to tell you about Homerun Inn, right?

I know of it but I've never been. On my list.

Good stuff so far. Keep it coming.

Another good place for hot links is Moo & Oink. Damn fine cookng there. GREAT cornbread & super wings/ribs/drumsticks. Fuckin' A...this thread's made me hungry.

cwiko wrote:I couldn't agree more with Ricobene's. Their breaded steak sandwich is fabulous.

Also, please don't call it pizza pie. It's pizza. Period. And I know I don't have to tell you about Homerun Inn, right?

I prefer Freddie's (31st/Union) over Ricobene', personally. Also, they are open til 2am most nights. Perfect place to stop for a sandwich or tasty slice of pizza after a night of drinking. Really good Italian ice in the summer too.

BadComrade wrote:I also really like the hamburgers at Wonderburger, which is at 11045 S. Kedzie. They've been in business longer than McDonald's. Their hamburgers have a kick ass "secret sauce" (which is like a lighter version of Heinz Chili Sauce) that really makes their "depression era style" hamburgers worth driving for. They once claimed to have invented curly fries as well, but I think they've retracted that claim.

What are "depression era style" hamburgers?

Next time I come to town, I have to make sure I go to a bunch of these places.

BadComrade wrote:A bunch of places where Al can't eat.

If he can't eat there, why do you recommend them? Is it because he's a Tigers Fan?



Al, go to Soul Vegetarian. You love vegetarian food.

Al, go to Joy Yee Noodles in Chinatown/University Village. You can eat there.

Al, go to Morrie O'Malley's Hot Dogs. You can eat there.

no one's really covered hyde park,

-Calypso Cafe in Harper Court: fantastic carribean/soul food. everyone i've been there with (including me) loved it. fried plantains! Dixie Kitchen right across the alley is owned by the same people and is highly regarded (traditional soul food), but i haven't been there.

-Rajun Cajun on 53rd: bizarre combination of vegetarian indian food and fried chicken. it looks like a Subway inside, but the food is damn good (the samosas w/ sweet sauce are mandatory). dip your biscuit in some channa masala.. why the fuck not..

i'm still learning the area but those are my stand outs so far..

Al, go to Soul Vegetarian. You love vegetarian food.

yeah, this place is really good and unique enough to recommend to anyone. limited menu on sundays though.